If you get pulled over for speeding or for any other moving violation, and are given a ticket, what should you do? Many people think that they should just pay the ticket and send it in. This is not your best move. If you do that, the ticket goes on your record as a conviction. What does this mean? Well, if you get 3 convictions within 1 calendar year, your license is suspended! Also, convictions get reported down to the Secretary of State which then in turn gets reported to your insurance company who will most certainly raise your rates. The smart thing to do, is to mail in the ticket, plead not guilty and request a trial by judge. You will then receive another court date in the mail. At this point, call an attorney. When you go to court on the trial date, if the officer does not show up, the ticket will be thrown out. If the officer does show, up, your attorney, depending on your record, will most likely be able to negotiate a deal where you pay a fine and court costs and receive supervision. Supervision does not get reported down to the Secretary of State thus your insurance rates will not be affected. Also, supervision is not a conviction on your record. It will probably cost you more money up front to go this route, but in the long run you will come out ahead because your insurance premium will not go up as a result of this ticket.